Navel Gazing, The Valley Indy Podcast: Recent Episodes
ValleyIndy.org
Navel Gazing is ValleyIndy.org's podcast.
Each week features a 1-hour discussion with a local newsmaker.
ValleyIndy.org is a nonprofit online newspaper in Ansonia, CT.
The show is also heard on WNHH-LP, a community radio station in New Haven, CT.
Show guide:
4:00 minute mark: The Valley Indy tries for figure out whether to put the garbage cans out.
6:26: The Valley Indy tries to figure out when to throw out the Christmas tree.
8:14: Ansonia police are investigating a commercial burglary.
10:35: Ansonia are investigating two shootings during which no injuries were reported.
13:25: Jean's top five stories of the year!
17:10: A look at upcoming municipal meetings in Ansonia, Derby & Seymour.
24:25: We listen to Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti address the public during a virtual meeting of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen.
31:52: The editor thinks the Olson Drive redevelopment saga was a top Valley story of 2022.
State Rep. Kara Rochelle won a third term to represent Ansonia and Derby in Hartford, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election.
Unofficial results shared by Rochelle’s campaign show her beating her opponent, Josh Shuart, 3,305 to 2,987. Rochelle is a Democrat who lives in Ansonia. Shuart, a college professor, lives in Ansonia and is president of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen. Updated numbers from the state Wednesday morning has Rochelle winning 3,371 to 3,022.
State Rep. Kara Rochelle won a third term to represent Ansonia and Derby in Hartford, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election.
Unofficial results shared by Rochelle’s campaign show her beating her opponent, Josh Shuart, 3,305 to 2,987. Rochelle is a Democrat who lives in Ansonia. Shuart, a college professor, lives in Ansonia and is president of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen. Updated numbers from the state Wednesday morning has Rochelle winning 3,371 to 3,022.
Pat Oates is a standup comic who has appeared on WPLR, "Who Are These Podcasts," and Compound Media.
Oates is determined to bring live comedy to the Valley, and he's doing it through organizing open mic & regular shows at Retro Grub & Pub and RiverWalk Social, both on Elizabeth Street in downtown Derby.
In this episode of "Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast," reporter Eugene Driscoll plays clips from the very first meeting of the Ansonia Opera House Committee, a group that is working to restore the . . . you guessed it, the Ansonia Opera House!
Navel Gazing returns with clips from a contentious Derby Aldermen meeting of Aug. 11, 2022.
Navel Gazing returns with clips from a contentious Derby Aldermen meeting of Aug. 11, 2022.
Click the play for an interview with John Marini of ‘Sci-Fi At The Strand.’ Two classic fantasy flicks are screening Saturday night at The Strand in Seymour (Connecticut):
“Conan the Barbarian,” the 1982 movie that put Arnold Schwarzenegger on the map, and; “Highlander,” the only-in-the-80s could this thing have been made flick starring Christopher Lambert.
Brian Volk-Weiss is the guy behind the hugely popular Netflix documentary series 'The Toys That Made Us' and 'The Movies That Made Us.'
He's back with "Icons Unearthed," whose first chunk of episodes concentrates on the making of 'Star Wars.'
Volk-Weiss landed a six-hour interview with legendary movie editor Marcia Lucas for the series, which premiered July 12, 2022.
He's also worked with every comedian known to God. Click play!
Derby Senior Center members did not sound happy on Thursday after learning the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen would not vote again on an agreement to merge its senior center with Ansonia and send Derby members to a new senior center under construction in Ansonia.
Audio from the July 12, 2022 public hearing on whether Ansonia should sell land on Olson Drive to a private developer who wants to build a sports complex.
But before that, listen to The Valley Indy reporter blab about missing a Derby meeting, promote Ansonia Paraconn, and mess up a City of Ansonia song.
Cheap. Free. Forever? ValleyIndy.org
The Derby corporation counsel talks about an investigative report with members of the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen.
Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan's administration has changed the way the monthly agenda for the city's legislative body is put together.
While the administration says they are simply following the Derby City Charter, the Democratic majority of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen think otherwise.
In this audio clip, Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo complains about the mayor's new policies, saying it hurts the public's access to local government.
Valley Indy Facebook reader Santiago Achinelli thinks 10 hours isn't enough time for a person to respond for comment to a news article.
The Valley Indy says 10 hours is enough time, especially if there's a primary-source document explaining the person's views.
Audio of the discussion from the June 9, 2022 meeting of the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen.
For the full story go to ValleyIndy.org and search 'Derby Rejects Senior Center Agreement With Ansonia By A 5-4 Vote.'
Jason Carlucci, owner of The Dew Drop Inn in Derby, CT, talks about wings, inflation, and staying relevant in the ever-changing tavern world.
Recorded during The Valley Indy Great Give Livestream of 2022.
Please note Jay is the only 'Navel Gazing' guest to accuse The Valley Indy of stealing ketchup.
The Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation adopted a budget of $48,385,128 on April 28.
There's no mill rate increase.
This podcast has clips from the end of the meeting, including statements from BOAT chairman Jeff Polis on what the budget accomplishes, and a statement from Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo on how the board worked through a highly unusual budget season.
Citing a lack of progress and a lack of staff in its finance department, an advisory commission could recommend the City of Derby be placed under the watch of the state's Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB).
The city already meets regularly with the Municipal Finance Advisory Council, but that's only advisory -- MARB has teeth.
The move to MARB would put Derby finances under some degree of official state oversight. Example: cities designated as "tier II" must have budget projections on state aid and property tax revenues approved by MARB.
Thomas Hennick, the public education officer for the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission, returns to the podcast to offer his informed opinions on a bunch or real-world open government issues faced by Valley Indy reporter Eugene Driscoll.
Enjoy!
Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan was willing to allocate more money for education in his budget but wanted to tie funding to academic performance, according to statements made at the Tuesday, April 5 meeting of the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation.
In addition, a $1 million increase in medical insurance costs for the school district precluded additional funding from the city because the mayor had capped all department increases to no more than 2.5 percent.
Jim Gildea, chairman of the Derby Board of Education, said the administration’s reasoning does not make sense.
John Marini joins 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,' to talk about two subjects: a 'Godzilla' double feature in Seymour to raise money for the people of Ukraine, and a just-signed lease agreement between the City of Ansonia and the owners of the Ansonia Opera House at 100 Main St.
The lease agreement discussion starts 19 minutes and 47 seconds into the broadcast.
Ansonia Chief Financial Officer Kurt Miller explains why the city isn't sticking to the rules with the city's budget process, and why the city enacted a spending freeze at the start of the year.
SEYMOUR — First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis joined The Valley Indy live on Facebook to talk about the Seymour budget process, a bunch of items related to economic development, and to take questions from the audience.
At a Derby Aldermanic subcommittee meeting in January 2022, members of the subcommitee made a motion to pass information related to the formation of a search committee to hire an economic development director to the full Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen. This is simply audio of the motion was made.
On this week's episode Valerie Knight-DiGangi of The Valley Community Foundation stops by to encourage groups to apply for a VFC "responsive needs" grant, which are multi-year grants that can be used to bolster a nonprofit group's operating budget.
The deadline for "responsive needs" grant applications is Feb. 24, so head to the VCF website to learn more and to complete an application.
At about the 31 minute of the podcast, the topic switches to a recent debate that started during a meeting of the Ansonia Board of Apportionment and Taxation, when two Ansonia Democrats said the board only has five members when the city charter says there should be seven members.
Derby's Larry Dwyer and special FX makeup artist Brian Spears ('Orange Is The New Black,' 'The Punisher') talk about 'The Howling' and 'Ginger Snaps,' a double bill happening Feb. 19 in Seymour, Conn. Tickets here. https://www.connecticutcultclassics.com/
Here is the show guide:
0:56 'Derby, Connecticut . . . what a nice small Connecticut town.'
3:35 Larry talks 'Night of the Werewolf 2' 4:50 Which is better: 'An American Werewolf in London' or 'The Howling?' 6:15 A rundown of Brian's movie and TV work 7:50 Brian talks about the influence of 80s-era movie makeup Gods like Rob Bottin and Rick Baker 11:00 The company that financed "The Howling" has deep Connecticut connections 16:16 'Weirdo Wonderland' shoutout (I'll send you an invoice) 17:40 Germ talk. 19:50 The latest 'Texas Chainsaw' thing on Netflix looks terrible 23:17 A word from Dworkin Chevrolet of Derby 24:15 LARRY'S HOT TAKES 28:00 Let's talk feminist horror flick 'Ginger Snaps!' 35:23 CT Horror Fest is returning to Naugatuck, assuming Mayor Pete fixes the air conditioning 38:40 Brian talks about working with legendary playwright Sam Shepard on the movie "Cold In July" 42:58 Shout out from WADS radio (Ansonia)
This episode features clips from the Jan. 24, 2022 meeting of the Seymour Board of Education during which the superintendent announces there is an approximate $839,000 hole in the education budget. Please visit ValleyIndy.org or the Seymour Public Schools website for more info.
Derby Fire Department Chief David Lenart reviews the ups and downs of this past weekend's COVID-19 home test kit distribution. As of Tuesday, Jan. 4, officials do not know when the next distribution will take place. However, the test kits are available to purchase and local stores and on Amazon, until they are not.
Gov. Lamont and his department heads said Jan. 4 there are no plans to allow remote learning in Connecticut schools, though the state's positivity rate keeps getting higher.
But, before that, The Valley Indy reporter admits he's tired of reading your anti-COVID vaccination posts on Facebook.
Police believe Jair Irogoyen — Flores, 24 of West Haven, was driving a neighbor’s Acura MDX when he struck James and Barbara Tamborra, both 81 of Shelton, as they tried to cross Route 67 the evening of Dec. 10.
DERBY -- The Derby Board of Education voted 6-0 to oppose a plan laid out by Ansonia to merge school districts.
While the vote is symbolic -- the Derby BOE has no formal say in the process -- its chairman is the co-chair of the regionalization committee, and a petition has started online opposing the merger resolution as presented by Ansonia.
This podcast episode contains the audio from the Derby school board's discussion.
Derby's Mike Cannici, the host of "Hometown Heroes" on Comcast and YouTube, returns to the podcast to update on the latest version of his long-running local talk show.
Cannici talks local sports, interviewing Ralph Mouth from "Happy Days," and explains how the show has changed during the COVID era.
On this week’s “Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,” a few all-stars from TEAM, Inc. stop by a Zoom room to talk about two important topics:
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The annual “Toys 4 Kids” campaign, which benefits thousands of area children, and;
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The volatile Valley rental market, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to find apartments.
Press play to listen, and please note the podcast is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
The state DOT announced Friday it is receiving a $12.6 million grant to update the Derby-Shelton train station. This episode features Valley Indy ramblings interspersed with people who know what they're talking about: VCOG Exec Dir Rick Dunne, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, and CT DOT Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti.
Valley Indy story here: https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/archives/entry/12.6_million_grant_will_rehab_and_upgrade_derby-shelton_train_station/
Mayor David Cassetti’s administration said there are still no formal agreements in place nor contracts signed between the City of Ansonia and The Primrose Companies, the developer that has been eyeing Olson Drive for a recreation facility since 2019.
The topic came up during an Ansonia Board of Aldermen meeting on Nov. 9.
This podcast contains the audio from the discussion.
Read The Valley Indy story here: https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/archives/entry/no_deal_yet_on_olson_drive_development_but/
John from Pint o Comics is the guest host of this very special episode.
Guest John Marini of Sci-Fi at the Strand (165 Main St. Seymour, CT) is hosting a double feature Nov. 20, 2021: "Masters of the Universe" (1987) and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1990).
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/turtle-power-double-feature-tickets-187768018197
Episode guide:
First three minutes and fifty seconds: introductions & insults
4 min: Gildea & Miller react to last week's election results.
14 min, 25 seconds: Miller and Gildea react to a recent Hartford Courant story about state Rep. Kara Rochelle consulting for West Haven.
33 min, 46 seconds: Reaction to Mayor Cassetti's rant against Derby on WICC radio.
This podcast is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
A 28-year-old man was charged with murder and risk of injury to a minor after allegedly killing his wife inside 73 Root Ave. Tuesday afternoon in Ansonia.
Kamil Zielinski is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Derby today (Wednesday, Nov. 10). His name and charges were discussed at a press conference at the Ansonia Police Department.
Police identified the victim Wednesday as Grace Zielinska, a mother of three children, ages 5, 3 and four months.
Will Cassetti be Mayor for Life in Ansonia?
What are the Democrats plan for the Board of Aldermen/women in Derby?
Did the Ansonia GOP hide from the press?
What's the message from voters in Derby?
Can the Ansonia Democrats recover from Tuesday's trouncing?
Those questions are asked -- and so much more -- in The Valley Indy's 2021 Election Post-Election Autopsy!
The guests include:
Kianna DeCiucis, Ansonia Democratic campaign manager
John Marini, Ansonia GOP chairman
Aldermen Rob Hyder, Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan's campaign manager
Aniello Malerba III, Derby Democrat Party chairman
The Valley Indy is attempting a public service project by giving every candidate for office in Ansonia, Derby & Seymour the opportunity to explain why they're running.
Ansonia Aldermen have been given the additional opportunity to film video interviews about their candidacies -- something that's never been attempted in the lower Naugatuck Valley before.
But -- candidates have to be able to make themselves available.
Larry Dwyer of Connecticut Cult Classics joins the podcast to talk about a Tromatic double feature happening Oct. 23 in Seymour, Connecticut. Matt Maisto previews the latest episode of 'Mondo Creepy,' set to premiere Saturday, Oct. 9 at 11 p.m. EST on YouTube.
Recorded live while on Valley Indy Facebook.
Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti, Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and Corporation Counsel John Marini talk about "Ansonia Recharged," a song commissioned as a marketing tool for the city.
Joining the conversation is Richard Demko, the song's writer and composer, and Rafael Klein, who shot a video for the tune.
Press play to listen to a bunch of former Danbury journalists and the former Danbury mayor talk about the former Danbury hockey team, now featured in a Netflix true crime documentary.
Some minor corrections to the record: Guest Brian Koonz says the Trasher's salary cap was $250,000: he emailed me after the interview to say it was actually $275,000. Mayor Boughton mentions a documentary titled "Wild Wild West." It's actually "Wild, Wild Country." I misstate the year of a News-Times Galante series as 2018. It was 2008.
Bob Elmore, the stuntman best known for breathing life into Leatherface during the truly distasteful 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part II,' talks to The Valley Indy about working with Dennis Hopper, teaming with John Candy -- and taking a punch from the loathsome Steven Seagal.
Elmore is appearing Sept. 18, 2021 at CT Horror Fest at the Naugatuck Events Center in Nagautuck, CT.
For more info visit CTHorror.com
Members of the city’s planning and zoning commission approved an application on July 20, 2021 to allow 32 market-rate apartments to be constructed within a large building at 33 Main St.
There will be 22 studio apartments and 10 one bedroom apartments. The studio apartments will range from 475 square feet to 689 square feet. The one bedroom apartments will range from 594 square feet to 736 square feet.
The building owner is hoping to set starting rents somewhere between $1,000 and $1,200 a month.
A state panel keeping a close eye on Derby's troubled financial recording practices likes the fact that the city is hiring qualified personnel to run its finance department.
Outgoing interim finance director David Taylor and Mayor Rich Dziekan's Chief of Staff Andrew Baklik appeared virtually June 30 in front of the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission.
Click play to listen.
Connecticut’s governor and a cadre of elected officials were in the city July 8 to celebrate the city receiving $1 million from the state to go toward the environmental assessment, demolition, and remediation of the former Farrel Foundry and Machine Co. site at the corner of Main Street and North Main Street in Ansonia, CT.
This episode contains the audio from the press conference, along with info about a weekend concert and a fireworks show over the weekend in Ansonia.
In this clip from the June 10 meeting of the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen, Alderwoman Barbara DeGennaro asks why the city can't get a financial audit completed on deadline.
DERBY -- At the May 18 Derby budget vote, tax board member Brian Coppolo said the city's wasn't getting $1.23 million in "distressed municipality" funding from the state.
Press play for a closer look at the issue.
A Derby police shot an armed man on Division Street Monday morning after the man started shooting at a passing car, police said.
There is a virtual public hearing on the proposed 2021-2022 budget scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 27. Ansonia Chief Fiscal Officer Kurt Miller talks about the budget with The Valley Indy. Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org
The Derby tax board is asking for more time to consider a city budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.
Seymour has a town meeting on its budget scheduled for April 22, then it heads to a public vote May 4.
Griffin Hospital has scheduled four four walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics for Ansonia & Derby residents.
The Great Give is scheduled for May 4 and May 5.
Podcast sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
During the public portion of the April 8 Derby Aldermen meeting, Aniello Malerba III, the chairman of the Derby Town Democratic Committee, said the Dziekan administration was abusing expanded powers triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resident Tom Lionetti disagreed.
The audio then jumps forward to a discussion among the elected officials.
During the April 6, 2021 meeting of the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation, the chairman of the Derby Board of Education and the chief of Storm Ambulance Corps both gave reasons as to why their organizations desperately need more money.
But how to finance those requests remains an open question.
There are plans to build a motel off Route 8 on Wakelee Avenue in Ansonia. Click play to listen to people react.
State Rep. Kara Rochelle represents Ansonia and Derby in the Connecticut House of Representatives. In this interview, she talks to reporter Eugene Driscoll about the long-planned Route 34/Main Street widening in downtown Derby, school funding in Ansonia & Derby, the legalization of marijuana, healthcare, manufacturing jobs, and more.
Brought to you by ValleyGivesBack.org.
It’s “The ANSONIA EPISODE” of “Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast.”
Mayor David Cassetti joins corporation counsel John Marini and economic development director Sheila O’Malley for a freewheeling conversation on what’s happening in Ansonia.
4 minutes 40 seconds: The Cassetti administration announces a vaccination clinic for people over 75 happening Thursday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ansonia Armory on State Street.
7 minutes 16 seconds: Mayor Cassetti and company talk about the city’s recent bond rating review.
14 minutes: Mayor Cassetti talks briefly about the upcoming budget season.
14 minutes, 55 seconds: The crew talks about a recent uptick in crime, including purse snatchings and stolen vehicles.
17 minutes, 32 seconds: An update on the construction of the new Ansonia Police Department building.
20 minutes, 16 seconds: An update on a mixed-use development project at three Main Street addresses. The development might include a nationally-known eatery.
24 minutes, 43 seconds: O’Malley talks about why it’s important when state and federal officials tour possible development sites in Ansonia (which happened Monday).
29 minutes: The latest on a long-simmering plan to possibly put a privately-owned recreation facility on Olson Drive (if the feds agree to remove a deed restriction on the land it owns)
31 minutes, 40 seconds: The Cassetti administration talks about a plan to change to change the way emergency medical services are provided to residents.
For roughly 10 months, local governments have been conducting the public’s business without actually being in front of the public — at least not physically.
Because of the gathering restrictions birthed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re now in a “Zoomacracy,” a phrase coined by our pals over at The New Haven Independent.
The guests: professor Jodie Gil is an associate professor of journalism, and Dr. Jonathan Wharton teaches political science. Together they wrote “Open Budgetary Meetings Amid a Pandemic: Assessing Connecticut’s Various Pathways to Public Engagement During COVID-19,” which was recently published in THE JOURNAL OF CIVIC INFORMATION.
State Sen. Jorge Cabrera drops in to talk about what it was like to take the oath of office in Hartford Jan. 6 — only to have his day eclipsed by the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol later in the day.
Cabrera talks about the Lamont administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, what it will take to bridge the partisan divide, and why he and his fellow legislators plan to stop by Ansonia and Derby next week. Press play to watch.
“Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast” is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
The guests on this episode of “Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,” include:
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Bill Purcell, the president and CEO of The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
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Valerie Knight-DiGangi, a program officer with The Valley Community Foundation
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David Morgan, the president and CEO of Team, Inc.
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David Kennedy, the interim president and COO of The Valley United Way
Please visit ValleyFoundation.org for more information on the fund.
2020 is over, thankfully.
Here's a look back of the stories that received the most page views on ValleyIndy.org last year.
Ansonia Public Schools Superintendent Joseph DiBacco talks about the decision to move schools online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in general about how the district is faring. Brought to you, in part, by ValleyGivesBack.org
Valerie Knight-DiGangi of The Valley Community Foundation returns to 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast' to talk about how groups can apply for the latest round of funding from the Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.
Groups can apply online at http://www.ValleyFoundation.org
The deadline is 12 p.m. Dec. 2.
With Connecticut in a second COVID-19 wave and cases increasing every day, Dr. Frederick Browne talks with The Valley Indy about what he's seeing at Griffin Hospital, where he is chief medical officer.
Dr. Browne compares the spring months to what he's seeing now, he talks about the "red alert" COVID-19 status in all lower Valley communities, how the virus is spreading locally, and what we can do to guard against it.
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
An update from Ansonia Public Schools. The district is moving online until Jan. 18, 2021.
The Ansonia Board of Education and its administrators talks with their medical consultant about whether to switch to online classes because of a second COVID-19 wave in the State of Connecticut. Recorded on Nov. 11, 2020.
Sharon Closius of The Valley Community Foundation talks about ValleyGivesBack.org, the foundation's "planned giving initiative."
John Zseller talks about the 1920 Society Fund, a new way to support Scouting in the lower Naugatuck Valley.
Interim Derby FD Chief David Lenart talks about an incident in which Eversource customers in Ansonia & Derby lost natural gas service the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. The situation was mostly wrapped up by Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020.
DERBY -- In addition to casting votes for candidates on the federal and state levels, voters are being asked to vote yes or no on seven proposed changes to the Derby Charter.
In this episode of Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast, Derby Alderman Rob Hyder goes through the questions with Valley Indy reporter Eugene Driscoll.
Election Day is Nov. 3. The Derby charter questions will appear on the backside of the ballots in Derby.
Election Day is Nov. 3!
Sharing their thoughts and making predictions on all the Valley races are:
Stephan Behuniak, chairman of the Seymour Town Democratic Committee.
Leslie Navarrete, former chairwoman of the Ansonia Town Democratic Committee.
Judy Szewczyk, member of the Derby Town Republican Committee since 2001.
Dr. Jonathan Wharton, former chairman of the New Haven Republicans and an associate professor of political science and urban affairs at Southern Connecticut State University.
Host: Eugene Driscoll of ValleyIndy.org
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org
DERBY -- Art Gerckens, husband, father of two, former Alderman, Vikings fan, and postal expert, comes on the Valley Indy podcast to talk about "Postal Biz Buzz," his refreshingly entertaining podcast about all things mail.
Note: an earlier version of this podcast misstated a fact regarding absentee ballots . . . the ballots are treated as first-class mail.
The misstatement was cut and the episode was uploaded again.
Click play!
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
Due to technical issues beyond my pay grade, I had to split my interview with Andrew Baklik into two parts. This is Part II, in which Baklik talks development and charter revision.
Baklik is Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan's chief of staff.
Andrew Baklik, Mayor Rich Dziekan's chief of staff, gives an update on the COVID-19 situation within Derby City Hall.
Dziekan announced Monday (Oct. 12) that he had tested positive. Baklik said since that announcement, one additional City Hall employee has tested positive.
The mayor is recovering at home, as is the second employee.
Derby City Hall was closed Monday (for Columbus Day) and did not open to the public or employees on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Baklik also talks about a move to sell a Derby eyesore so that it can be redeveloped and put back on the tax rolls, and he gives an update on a mixed-use project approved earlier this year for the redevelopment zone.
A technical mishap caused Part I of this interview to end abruptly. The final, 12 minutes of this podcast is available as a separate podcast (Part II).
In this week’s episode of “Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,” Rebbeca Toms of The Valley United Way joins the broadcast to talk about two important issues:
- This year’s ‘Harvest House,’ which is taking place virtually this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The 2020 “ALICE Report,” which gives a glimpse of how local families are doing locally (spoiler alert: many of us are one emergency away from financial ruin)
Links:
Info about Harvest House: https://valleyunitedway.org/harvest-house/
Read the ALICE Report: https://alice.ctunitedway.org/downloadreport/
Select ALICE lower Naugatuck Valley, CT info: https://www.scribd.com/document/478962215/ALICE-Valley-Data
Ansonia's John Marini and Derby's Scary Larry Dwyer talk about two horror movies screening in October in Ansonia (including an appearance by Caroline Williams, legendary kick-butt star of Texas Chainsaw II).
In this clip from a July Valley Indy podcast, Ansonia corporation counsel John Marini and economic development director Sheila O'Malley talk about forming a regional economic development corporation to help the lower Naugatuck Valley.
In this episode of 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast' I go over a recent free speech issue in Derby regarding a resident's written statements -- and the city's response, warning of possible legal action for "inaccurate and false statements?"
Was the city's response based in reality?
For an informed opinion on that I talked to Dan Barrett, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Connecticut.
Jack Walsh is the chairman of the Derby WPCA. Rick Dunne is executive director of the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments.
Dunne talks about assertions in Derby saying the city missed out on grant money that would have made cheaper a $31 million borrowing plan to fix the sewer system.
Walsh talks about the current state of the WPCA, on how far its come since landing in hot water with federal and state environmental regulators.
Members of the Seymour Board of Police Commissioners questioned the leaders of the department last week regarding whether enough steps were taken to make sure officers were OK after responding to two horrific car crashes on the same day.
In the 1990s and early 2000s developer Donald Trump wanted to build a golf course next to Byram Lake, a reservoir that served as drinking water for residents of Mount Kisco, N.Y.
Byram Lake isn't in Mount Kisco.
It's actually located in the wealthier towns of Bedford and North Castle in Westchester County, N.Y.
All the towns opposed Trump's plan, despite of the falsehood he asserts in this interview, which he sought out when I was a 20-something reporter at The Patent Trader, a now dead newspaper in the Bedford area.
The worries were over pollution, though Trump promised 'state of the art' procedures.
Trump lost.
Houses were eventually built in some parts of the property.
Members of the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission ordered an investigation Tuesday into the alleged use of a garage at 49 Burtville Ave. as a clubhouse for The Punishers Motorcycle Club.
The research will be conducted by Barbara Schellenberg, the P&Z's lawyer, and Ryan McEvoy, of Milone & MacBroom, the city's engineering firm.
In this episode Valley Indy reporter Eugene Driscoll discusses:
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Charter Revision in Derby
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Valley Firefighter Softball
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Derby ZEO Controversy
Press play!
Sharon Closius, president and chief executive officer of The Valley Community Foundation, talks about what Naugatuck Valley residents can do to help neighbors & nonprofits that will be hurt by the looming COVID-19 economic impact.
Press play for an interview with Jorge Cabrera, a union official from Hamden who is running as a Democrat for the 17th State Senate District seat.
That seat is currently held by Sen. George Logan, R-Ansonia, to whom Cabrera lost by just 77 votes two years ago.
While Cabrera is his party’s officially endorsed candidate, he isn’t the only Democrat running.
Justin Farmer, a “politician activist” from Hamden’s Legislative Council, is challenging Cabrera on a Democratic primary Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Press play for an interview with Justin Farmer, a Legislative Councilman in Hamden, who is running as a Democrat for the 17th State Senate District seat.
That seat is currently held by Sen. George Logan, R-Ansonia.
Farmer isn’t the only Democrat running.
Jorge Cabrera is the party’s officially endorsed candidate.
Farmer and Cabrera face off in a Democratic primary Aug. 11, 2020.
A group in Derby has been working diligently to determine whether changes should be made to the Derby Charter.
The group will be making recommendations to the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen. Alderman Rob Hyder is the Charter Revision Commission's chairman.
Mayor David Cassetti, Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley and Corporation Counsel John Marini join me to give the public an update on redevelopment plans for Ansonia’s Main Street.
Press play to watch the discussion.
In June the Board of Aldermen (and the tax board) approved borrowing up to $3.1 million to finish converting a vacant office building at 65 Main St. into a police department, senior center and community space. The $3.1 million is in addition to $12 million already approved by voters in 2016.
Also in June, the city’s planning & zoning commission approved a redevelopment plan that will see market-rate apartments and retail be constructed at Palmer Building at 153 Main St. (the Palmer Building), and 497 E. Main St. (the ATP Building).
The Ansonia trio also talks about forming a Valley Development Corporation with Derby and Seymour.
Plans for a new community center have been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller.
"We're in a holding pattern right now until we see what happens, or what happens going forward, I should say. And then we'll make a determination."
SEYMOUR -- Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller talks candidly about a series of social media posts that have riled the town's political scene.
Press play to listen.
'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast' returns with an interview highlighting the community garden program in the lower Naugatuck Valley.
I'm joined by guests Becca Toms, a communication specialist with Valley United Way, and Corey Thomas, the education director at Massaro Community Farm.
Toms and Thomas explain how the "Grow Your Own" campaign started, how it is combating food insecurity in the lower Valley, and how you can get involved.
Click this link to learn more about community gardens. https://valleyunitedway.org/grow-your-own/
FYI, the episode starts with a message reminding the public about the COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund, a hugely important local initiative.
See the images below for more info, and visit ValleyFoundation.org to learn more.
The following robocall was sent by Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti's office Sunday regarding fallout from a large fire at an abandoned factory on Canal Street Saturday night.
State police announced Friday that double homicide suspect Peter Manfredonia has been extradited to Connecticut and charged in connection to a number of crimes in Willington.
He's also the suspect in a murder in Derby, but those charges have yet to be filed.
For two days in a row people connected to the search for Connecticut homicide suspect Peter Manfredonia have used the media to deliver messages of support to the 23-year-old UConn senior.
The Valley Indy speaks with retired NYPD Detective Sgt. Joseph L. Giacalone about the messaging being used to try to convince Manfredonia to turn himself in.
Giacalone is an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
He was the executive officer of the 110th Precinct Detective Squad in Queens, the commanding officer of the Bronx Cold Case Squad, the director of the NYPD Homicide School, and the commanding officer of the Bronx Cold Case Squad.
This is the audio from the Derby Board of Apportionment's first budget meeting to prepare a spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2020. There are many uncertainties due to the massive impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Second Ward Alderman Tarek Raslan held a Zoom meeting Sunday to raise questions about Ansonia asking for an additional $3.1 million to finish redeveloping a building at 65 Main St.
ANSONIA -- Residents and members of the Board of Aldermen want more information before deciding whether to send a $5 million bond package should be sent to voters.
Raslan And O'Malley Debate Construction Costs During An April 28, 2020 meeting of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen.
In this episode (recorded Friday April 24), Ansonia corporation counsel John Marini explains two measures passed by the Ansonia Board of Aldermen meant to relieve some anxiety for cash-strapped taxpayers.
One measure gives qualifying taxpayers and extra 90 days to pay taxes that are normally due July 1. Documentation explaining the rules will be posted to the Ansonia city website and to the city's Facebook page.
The second measure reduces the penalty for late fees from 18 to 3 percent.
Click play to listen.
Donate.ValleyIndy.org during The Great Give May 5 and May 6.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) gave Valley officials Thursday an overview of the more than $2 trillion in federal aid Congress has approved since March to help people and businesses waylaid in Connecticut by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting was held online using Zoom video conference software. The Valley Indy recorded the audio. Press play to listen.
Jimmy Tickey is the interim board chair at The Valley United Way.
In this interview he talks about how to donate to and apply for a grant from the Valley COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund.
The fund just issued $78,800 in grants to 18 Valley agencies on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle.
Another round of grants is on the way.
Tickey also talks about a program The Valley United Way has launched with TEAM, Inc. in Derby to give gift cards to local families who need them.
Tickey is also the district director for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes. Tickey answers questions regarding the need for PPE in hospitals and what's happening inside nursing homes in Shelton.
Connecticut Commuter Rail Council Chairman Jim Gildea (a Derby resident) joins the podcast to talk about the state's decision not to fund $60 million worth of new rail cars for the Danbury and Waterbury train lines.
Gildea, along with lawmakers who represent the Valley, was blindsided by the state's decision. They said Gov. Ned Lamont's administration had promised the rail cars to the Valley.
State Republicans, including House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, said Lamont is paying back lawmakers who didn't support his desire to install tolls in Connecticut.
Read this story from the Rep-Am on the issue:
https://www.rep-am.com/local/localnews/2020/04/16/updated-red-light-for-new-rail-cars-on-waterbury-danbury-branches/
In this episode of 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,' I chat with Johnathan Gable, the supervisor of the public defender's office at Superior Court in Derby.
How are courts being affected by COVID-19?
How does one provide legal counsel to a defendant in the midst of a global pandemic?
Is crime up or down?
Press play to listen, and remember to donate to The Valley Indy during The Great Give May 5 & May 6. Do so in advance at Donate.ValleyIndy.org.
It's unpopular opinion time!
Click play to listen.
The media didn't make you buy toilet paper.
The media isn't trying to scare you.
Focusing only on 'positive' stories is disrespectful to the people in mourning.
You can't complain local TV news isn't reporting what the governor is saying while TV news is carrying the governor's words live on TV.
If you have a Facebook account, you're the media.
Susan Agamy is the executive director of Spooner House, a shelter and food pantry in Shelton.
She talks about how Spooner House is operating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virus forced Spooner House to limit the amount of people staying in the shelter, and restricted the entrance of community volunteers who keep the place going.
Agamy also talks about the the Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which is currently accepting donations that will be used to help people, organizations and businesses impacted by COVID-19.
ANSONIA -- City government held a virtual town hall-style meeting Tuesday online, using the Zoom video conferencing app, to update residents about how the city is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click play to listen to the audio from the meeting.
Speakers included the mayor, along with the leaders of all emergency services in the city.
The city also took questions from residents. Another town hall is being planned to provide info to small business owners.
SEYMOUR -- The Seymour Board of Selectmen met Tuesday April 7 via the Zoom video conferencing app.
First Selectman Kurt Miller brought residents up to speed about what was happening in town regarding the COVID-19 virus. At the time of the meeting, Seymour had one COVID-19 related death. A second death was announced less than 24 hours after the meeting.
Miller talks about the impact the pandemic may have on town finances.
The Selectmen also talk about the many examples of community spirit that are happening in Seymour on a daily basis.
This meeting was the first time the Selectmen have met using video conferencing software.
Pam Mautte joins the podcast to talk about dealing with the mountains of stress and anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mautte is the director of the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, a program of BHcare, in Ansonia.
BHcare has a 24-hour crisis hotline: 203-800-7177
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers help available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
SHELTON -- Some people on have been asking where Mayor Mark Lauretti has been while the COVID-19 virus spreads through the city.
He's OK with that.
"I don't think it's good to be repetitious. At some point in time people start to tone you out. I don't want to be in that situation. When I have something to say publicly, I want it to be meaningful," Lauretti said during an interview on 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast.'
Click play to listen.
The interview begins 7 minutes and 48 seconds into the episode.
Sharon Closius, president and CEO of The Valley Community Foundation, talks about a new fund created to help groups, organizations, and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The response and recovery fund is the brainchild of The VCF, The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Valley Health & Human Service Council.
To donate to the fund, visit https://www.valleyfoundation.org/
SHELTON -- State House Rep. Jason Perillo joins the 'Navel Gazing' podcast to talk about what's happening in Shelton in terms of COVID-19.
The city had 48 confirmed positive tests as of Tuesday, along with four deaths.
Perillo gives some context to the numbers, explaining that at least some of the deaths were residents of a nursing home (or nursing homes) in Shelton.
In addition to being the House minority whip, Perillo is the executive director of Valley Emergency Medical Services, the Valley's local paramedic service.
DERBY -- David Lenart, an assistant chief with the Derby Fire Department and a past chief of the Storm Ambulance Corps, joins the podcast to thank the community and local businesses for contributing cleaning supplies and other items to local first responders.
Lenart then shares a great story about a teacher at the St. Mary-St. Michael School going above and beyond for "distance learning," and he chats about what he's been talking about lately on "2 Dudes Talking Disney," his Disney-related podcast.
Podcast sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org
DERBY -- David Morgan, the president and CEO of TEAM Inc., the Valley's community action agency, joins the podcast to talk about what TEAM has been doing during the COVID-19 health crisis to help people in need.
TEAM, based on Elizabeth Street, does everything.
TEAM's services -- childcare, stocking food banks, Meals on Wheels, home heating assistance, a diaper bank, and many more -- are already in high demand.
That demand is expected to increase going forward, thanks to the pandemic and its impact on the economy.
Morgan talks about that impact, and the need for volunteers to help the organization fulfill its mission.
Morgan also talks why people should contribute to the Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund
With good food, great beer and strong community spirit, Jason Carlucci established The Dew Drop Inn in Derby as a destination spot for the region.
Not he's wondering how long he and his 32 employees can hold out because of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus.
In this episode of 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,' Carlucci talks about the challenges and what may lie ahead.
The Dew is providing takeout food and beverage. Call the biz at (203) 735-7757 to place an order.
Check 'em out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dewdropinnct/
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
ANSONIA -- Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch discusses two topics during this 'Navel Gazing' episode:
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An update on the Vanessa Morales missing child case.
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New procedures in place at the Ansonia Police Department because of the COVID-19 virus.
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller checks in with a COVID-19 related episode. Press play, I don't have time to explain the rest.
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
Press play to listen to the latest episode of 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast.'
Are you like me, freaking out over the prospect of 'teaching' your kids this week as schools across the state implement 'distance learning' programs?
Did you dig an old computer out of a closet? Have you figured out how to get to Google Classroom?
Have you thought about how you're going to put in eight hours at your day job while your kids attend school near the dirty laundry basket in the dining room in the middle of a global pandemic?
Well, take some comfort from the Derby Board of Education.
Some of them had the same concerns, and they expressed those concerns during a meeting last week.
It was stuff I needed to hear.
Press play.
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org
From the Thursday, March 12 press conference at the Emergency Operations Center in Hartford, CT.
This is an EDITED audio recording. The full press conference is available from CT-N (Connecticut's government channel).
Highlights include remarks from Gov. Ned Lamont, Dr. Matthew Cartter, the state’s epidemiologist, and state Education Commissioner Miguel A. Cardona.
On Feb 18 the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission approved the construction of 203 market-rate apartments in the Derby Downtown Redevelopment.
Click play to listen to comments from public officials made at the meeting regarding the project. Please not the audio from the meeting is low, so either use headphones or get ready to straddle the volume button.
The Derby Redevelopment Zone is mostly vacant land on the south side on Main Street between Main Street and the Housatonic River. The zone stretches roughly from the Derby-Shelton Bridge to the former Lifetouch building near the southbound entrance ramp to Route 8. The Feb. 18 decision marks the first time since The Valley Indy launched in 2009 that something actually happened in the redevelopment zone, other than the demolition of buildings.
This podcast is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller returns to the podcast to talk about garbage collection and bond ratings before a surprise guest calls in to promote KONGFRONTATIONS, a double feature March 7 at The Strand Theater on Main Street.
Miller proceeds to spill the beans on a potential -- and the key word is potential -- major development in the idea phase behind Stop & Shop in Seymour.
Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org! Music courtesy of The Bad Slugs.
A group of eighth graders sneaked into the Derby Community Center after hours Feb. 7.
Click play to learn about what they did once inside.
Also, the future of Factory Street in the Derby downtown redevelopment zone could change after a meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 18) in Derby City Hall.
The episode concludes with audio clips from the Feb. 13 meeting of the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen, where there was some disagreement over the appointment of a city Democrat to a charter revision commission.
Music by The Bad Slugs. The podcast is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.